Lane CC woos Hermiston’s Walchli

04/14/2011 10:47

HERMISTON — When looking for a college to extend her basketball career, Hermiston senior Courtney Walchli wanted one thing above all others — to feel needed.

Lane Community College coach Greg Sheley swept her off her feet, so to speak, and his recruiting efforts paid off when Walchli recently signed her letter of intent to play at the school next year on a partial scholarship.

Walchli said she’s on a one-year deal right now, but that is likely to change with a strong freshman season.

“I’ve just always asked for a coach that really wants me, for a team to really want me,” she said.

Sheley showed he was serious by coming to watch Walchli play early in the season, then kept in touch with her and high school coach Steve Hoffert throughout the year.

“That’s one of the first times we’ve had a coach come and recruit personally,” Hoffert said. “I think I saw those people all season, even in the playoffs. They catered to her.”